What is gratifying in this, is that the Cricket Board perhaps sensing that all is not well, fell in line probably with the popular belief of obtaining the services of a foreign coach, to halt what looked like the beginning of the downward trend of our cricket. With the furore caused by Whatmore's premature departure, the environment to say the least, was neither conducive nor had the salutary effect, to draw aspiring cricket coaches from abroad here. It was by no means as easy task of finding a suitable replacement, and it is against this background, that we become all the more appreciative of he Board's concerted effort, of not resting until an accredited coach from abroad was found.
The welcome move of the coming to be of the new coach from abroad, will be hailed by many as a blessing in disguise, saving the board from much embarrassment, which would have otherwise arisen. Human relationships, are far more important to be merely evaluated against monetary considerations, and so the right man in the prevailing circumstances has been given the job. The world is growing smaller by the day and nations are being drawn close to each other, too close in fact, where we especially need the assistance of others, within and abroad for progress not only in the field of cricket but all other areas as well.
To think parochially and be envious of the appointment made, must surely stem from an unwarranted superior arrogance, which should not be encouraged and is simply not cricket. For cricket devoid of humility, will sooner or later flatten you down, just as sure as night follows day.
We do not profess to be connoisseurs of this great game, we are laymen in the main. But are nevertheless urged to say, that the mutually binding agreement should permit Yardley to perform his functions without let or hindrance, ensuring free rein to do his duties to the best of his ability, receiving at the same time the fullest support and co-operation from the board and every player under his charge. The scale must be held evenly and no room should be given, to create the conditions and situations which led to the Whatmore episode.
A repeat of this will drag our cricket still further down and tarnish our image in the eyes of the world. The cracks by way of indiscipline and disunity have begun to surface in our cricket. This must be nipped in the bud and not allowed to broaden out for the good of the game. For many good reasons, it might be advisable if it has not been the practice hitherto for the board to copt the new coach to be an observer at some of its ex. co. meetings.
This whilst enabling the coach to establish a healthy rapport, will also assist him to have a first hand knowledge of all matters pertaining to cricket here. He must in addition be made to witness matches played in different parts of the island.
The New Zealand cricketers, sans flamboyant stars, have been toiling it out with their coach Steve Rixon and have come up with very competent performances. There is nothing spectacular about their play, their fielding has improved tremendously and every member plays his part effectively, with much team spirit and unity, and this is what matters most. Rixon has done for the Kiwis, what Whatmore did for our team. Whilst the Sri Lankans on the other hand, have been basking in their glorious victories and having a whale of a time, losing in the process the guiding hand of the former president and later on their coach as well. Party- ing and socialising within limits we guess is alright, but to in- dulge in it beyond moderate levels is to court misery. A case in point is the tragic end which overtook a sportsman a few days ago.
Our cricket has since come down a few notches, in every department of the game and one wonders, what Yardley could do within three weeks before the team emplanes for New Zealand. Much has been done to acquire the right temperament for varying situations, with the emphasis on strategy and planning. But what is important now is to concentrate on physical fitness and instil a sense of discipline and unity amongst the entire squad. The tour of New Zealand is bound to be a stiff one, with a few surprises coming our way. As the players front up against each other in what will be an exciting series, it will be interesting to see how the two coaches Yardley and Rixon pit their wits in order to outdo the other.
The deciding factor in the forthcoming test matches in New Zealand, would be as to how much more are we physically fitter and united than the Kiwis. The skipper and the entire team to a man, must so brace themselves together in order to face the many challenges that await them in Kiwiland. Someone did say something about being the best cricket playing nation by the year 2000, all that is well and good, but what is urgently now required, is to save it from becoming the worst cricket playing nation by that time.